US Air Force Advances Collaborative Combat Aircraft Program

The U.S. Air Force's Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program is advancing with key developments, including the announcement of additional purchases for its Experimental Operations Unit to facilitate real-world testing. The unmanned systems, Anduril's 'Fury' and GA-ASI's 'Gambit', have passed the critical design review, paving the way for maiden flights scheduled in 2025 and production contracts in FY26, with a goal of delivering at least 1,000 units by 2030. The CCAs are designed to operate alongside manned fighters, engaging targets and conducting surveillance at a lower cost than traditional aircraft. JSW Defence Pvt. Ltd. is also making strides in UAS manufacturing in India through a partnership with Shield AI, aiming to produce the V-BAT system locally for both domestic and global markets. This collaboration is expected to bolster India's defense capabilities and support the broader tactical UAS landscape. Overall, these initiatives reflect a significant push towards integrating advanced unmanned systems into modern military operations.